Barcelona pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Real Sociedad on Sunday at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, reclaiming the top spot in the La Liga standings. Goals from Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski turned the game around after an early deficit, boosting Barcelona to 19 points and edging out rivals Real Madrid by one point in the 2025-26 season.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The game started with Barcelona dominating possession, holding 87 percent in the first half, but Real Sociedad struck first against the flow. Alvaro Odriozola scored in the 31st minute, finishing a cross from Ander Barrenetxea to give the visitors a surprise lead.
Barcelona fought back just before halftime. Jules Kounde headed in a corner to level the score at 1-1 in the 43rd minute, shifting momentum. In the second half, substitute Lamine Yamal made an instant impact, assisting Robert Lewandowski for the winning header in the 59th minute.
Real Sociedad pushed for an equalizer late. Takefusa Kubo’s shot hit the crossbar in the 84th minute, and Mikel Oyarzabal tested goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with a strong effort. Barcelona held firm for their sixth win in seven league matches.
Lewandowski nearly added another but struck the woodwork. The win extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run and highlighted their resilience under coach Hansi Flick.
Standout Player Performances
Jules Kounde earned praise for his defensive work and crucial goal. The French defender not only scored but also made key tackles to contain Real Sociedad’s attacks.
Robert Lewandowski continued his strong form, netting his goal with a precise header. His performance adds to his tally in a season where he has been vital for Barcelona’s title push.
Lamine Yamal, returning from injury, changed the game off the bench. The young star’s dribbling and assist showcased why he is a rising talent in European football.
- Top Scorers in the Match: Kounde (1 goal), Lewandowski (1 goal), Odriozola (1 goal).
- Key Saves: Alex Remiro denied multiple Barcelona shots early, while Szczesny tipped over a dangerous attempt from Oyarzabal.
Hansi Flick praised the team’s effort, calling it a deserved victory despite the challenge.
Impact on La Liga Standings
This result propels Barcelona to the league summit with 19 points from seven games. Real Sociedad stays on five points after their fourth loss, struggling in the lower half of the table.
| Team | Points | Wins | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 19 | 6 | 0 | 15 | 5 |
| Real Madrid | 18 | 5 | 1 | 14 | 6 |
| Real Sociedad | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
The win comes amid a busy schedule, with Barcelona facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next. Real Madrid will aim to respond in their upcoming fixtures to close the gap.
Broader Context in European Football
Barcelona’s comeback mirrors trends in top leagues where teams like AC Milan also staged a 2-1 win over Napoli to lead Serie A. Such results show the competitive nature of European football this season.
Injuries played a role, with Real Sociedad missing Jon Aramburu due to a warmup issue. Barcelona managed without full strength but adapted well, a sign of squad depth.
Fans and analysts note this as part of Barcelona’s five-match winning streak across competitions, building confidence for bigger tests ahead.
Looking Ahead for Barcelona
Barcelona now prepares for their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. A win there could further solidify their form.
In La Liga, they visit Sevilla next Sunday, aiming to maintain their lead. Coach Flick stressed focusing on recovery and preparation, saying the road to the title remains long.
This victory not only boosts points but also team morale, proving they can overcome early setbacks.
What do you think about Barcelona’s chances in La Liga this season? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow football fans.
